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The Favourite

Tyler Harlow

Starring: Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

While the war between England and France rages on, Queen Anne (Olivia Coleman) becomes ill and frail. This allows close friend, Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) to discreetly rule and push her own political agenda while taking care of her. Enter Abigail (Emma Stone), a distant cousin to Lady Sarah who becomes the new servant. Lady Sarah becomes fond of Abigail and takes her under her wing. This soon proves dangerous as Abigail piques the interest of Queen Anne as well. Soon, Abigail begins to sabotage Sarah’s relationship with Queen Anne, leaving both ladies vying to become the Queen’s favourite.


While he isn’t working from his own material for the first time, Lanthimos still has a knack for unconventional shots and offbeat humor. While in his previous films the humor bordered on the quietly demented, this is his first foray into outright broad comedy, featuring one-liners and reaction shots a plenty. Even still, this is a nasty little film that has plenty of bite as the game between Sarah and Abigail escalates.


The production design and costuming are stunning. The period detail is impressive and should garner lots of awards attention, likely adding a fourth Oscar to Sandy Powell’s mantle for her exquisite costumes.


While Emma and Rachel are reliably excellent, the star of the show is Olivia Colman who some will recognize from her bit parts in Hot Fuzz, Murder on the Orient Express or even the excellent series Broadchurch. Here she plays a wide and impressive display of emotions, ranging from hysterical to the lonely sadness that inhabits Queen Anne from the beginning. She quite likes having the attention of the two women and sometimes pits them against each other for fun.


Those looking for a solid period piece will be satisfied, as will fans of Lanthimos’ previous work. While not as thrilling or unsettling as Killing of a Sacred Deer, he continues to prove he is an exciting and original filmmaker and one to keep an eye on.

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